Vacchagotta; 1 Definition(s)

Introduction

Vacchagotta means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

1. Vacchagotta. A Paribbajaka, who later became an
arahant Thera. Several conversations he had with the Buddha are mentioned in the
books. For details see the Tevijja Vacchagotta-, Aggi Vacchagotta-, Maha
Vacchagotta-, Vaccha- and Vacchagotta Suttas. Some of these suttas are quoted in
the Kathavatthu (E.g., p. 267, 505). The Samyutta Nikaya contains a whole
section on Vacchagotta; his discussions were chiefly concerned with such
mythical questions as to whether the world is eternal, the nature of life, the
existence or otherwise of the Tathagata after death, etc. S.iii.257ff.; see also
S.iv.391ff., for several discussions of Vacchagotta with Moggallana, Ananda and
Sabhiya Kaccana on similar topics. The three Vacchagotta Suttas of the Majjhima
Nikaya seem to contain the story of Vacchagottas conversion, in due order: at
the conclusion of the Tevijja Vacchagotta (No. 72) it is merely stated that the
Paribbajaka Vacchagotta rejoiced in what the Blessed One has said. At the end
of the next, the Aggi Vacchagotta, he is mentioned as having accepted the Buddha
as his teacher. In the third, the Maha Vacchagotta, he seeks ordination from the
Buddha at Rajagaha, and receives it after the requisite probationary period of
four months. He returns to the Buddha after two weeks and tells him that he has
attained all that is to be attained by a non arahants understanding and asks
for a further exposition of the Doctrine. The Buddha tells him to proceed to the
study of calm and insight, whereby sixfold abhinna may be acquired. Vacchagotta
profits by the lesson and soon after becomes an arahant. He thereupon sends news
of his attainment to the Buddha through some monks, and the Buddha says he has
already heard the news from the devas (M.i.493 97).

This story definitely identifies the Paribbajaka with the
Thera of the same name, whose verse of ecstasy is included in the Theragatha
(vs. 112). According to the Commentary (ThagA.i.221), he belonged to a rich
brahmin family of the Vaccha clan (Vacchagotta). His personal name is not given.
He became an expert in brahmin learning, but failing to find therein what he
sought, he became a Paribbajaka, joining the Buddhas Order later.

In the time of Vipassi Buddha he was a householder of
Bandhumati, and one day, when the Buddha and his monks were invited to the
kings palace, he swept the street along which the Buddha passed and set up a
Rag as decoration. As a result he was born, four kappas ago, as a raja, Sudhaja
by name. He is probably identical with Vithisammajjaka of the Apadana. Ap.i.177.

2. Vacchagotta. A Paribbajaka. He is mentioned in
the Anguttara Nikava (A.i.180f ) as visiting the Buddha at Venagapura, where he
was at the head of the brahmins. He is possibly to be identified with
Vacchagotta (1). In this context, however, he is called Venagapurika.
Vacchagotta (1) (q.v.

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

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